Syracuse and UNC have been trending in quite different directions since a 2018 season that saw the Orange finish ranked No. 15 in the AP Poll at 10-3 overall, with the Heels in last place in the ACC at 1-7 in conference.
Last year, 'Cuse fell all the way back to 2-6 in the ACC (5-7 overall) with UNC at 4-4 (7-6 overall) under new coach Mack Brown and freshman quarterback Sam Howell.
But still, most bettors were probably surprised to see North Carolina open as a three-touchdown favorite in this year's opening matchup.
At least that's been the indication from the betting market, as 68% of spread bets have landed on Syracuse. But according to our brand new PRO Report, it's been the favorite that's not only taken on the brunt of the sharp action thus far, but also fit into one of our PRO betting systems.
Let's take a look.
Note: Report as of Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. ET.
Syracuse vs. UNC Odds, PRO Report
PRO Report angle: UNC
UNC's 21-point opening spread is up to -22.5, even -23 in some spots, as sharp action and historical trends have lined up on the Heels.
Sharp Action
Sports Insights Bet Signals have triggered one move on UNC at -21.5, confirming professional action on the Heels at that number.
As of Wednesday morning, there's been no sign of sharp buyback on Syracuse.
Big Money
Only 33% of bets on this spread have landed on UNC, which makes this line move all the more telling, since sportsbooks obviously don't want to make it easier for their customers to win.
That minority on North Carolina, however, has generated a majority (56%) of actual money hitting the spread. And while that's not a huge monetary liability, it does reveal that UNC is drawing much bigger bets — the ones more likely to come from sharps.
PRO Systems
North Carolina also fits one of our PRO betting systems: Opening Game Matchup.
The system, which focuses on teams that made a bowl the year prior, has generated a 234-179-6 record against the spread since 2005 for a 10% return on investment.
